On a picturesque autumn evening, it wasn’t “The Weather” that forced emo band All Time Low to end their headlining set at Red Rocks. Colorado fans will need to wait another year to hear that iconic new track live because Vocal concerns caused by an acute infection led singer Alex Gaskarth to stop the band’s performance.
He made it through a handful of songs before opening up about what he was dealing with to the crowd. Gaskarth had come down with something that morning, and it felt as though he might be damaging his vocal cords with each note he sung.
Celebrating their 20th anniversary, the group was ready to play Red Rocks for a third consecutive year. The set list featured longtime hits and tracks from their new album. Everybody’s Talking is a pointed reference to both the tribulations the outfit has endured and the buzz their new works generated.
Don’t Call it a Comeback
The success of All Time Low’s new works, coupled with their trifecta of Red Rocks headlining, shows is a testament to the resurgence of emo’s popularity. Seeing fans singing and jumping along all night, it’s clear that the love for the genre never went away!
Scene newcomers The Paradox received a warm welcome from the crowd. They opened the night with a fierce and funny set, with topics ranging from exes to marijuana to masturbation.
The youthful rockers have over a million followers and recently caught the eye of legendary drummer Travis Barker. Their song “Bender” hit on another popular punk theme: partying!
While they played sans Barker at Red Rocks, he did join them at the 2025 Van’s Warped Tour stop in Long Beach. Bringing in a new generation of pop-punk, they were the favorite opener of a teenage fan seated next to me.
Eyeliner and Black Outfit Optional
A nostalgic set from The Cab featured their hits, and the crowd sang along throughout. Also celebrating a recent 20th anniversary, the band recently re-released a trio of their classic albums and dropped a new EP.
One of their fans, Linda, was celebrating her 100th Cab show that night! The singer joked that he didn’t know they’d played that many shows.
During Mayday Parade‘s high-energy set, the singer shared an anecdote from the band’s early years. While following the Warped Tour (but not part of it), they played unsanctioned after shows. Nearby Denver was the city where they’d sold the most CDs while embarking on that adventure. The fan base built during those gigs earned them a recording deal and legit bookings.
Not to sound like a broken record, but Mayday Parade is also toasting two decades as a band. Like their counterparts, they’ve been ambitious with new music. Sad is the second installment in a three-EP concept album. The first part, titled Sweet, was released earlier in 2025. We got to rock out to their new seasonal-garb-themed single, titled “Under My Sweater.”
Rebounding from An All Time Low
As a band, All Time Low have experienced a renewed energy and sense of purpose over the past couple of years. It was extra heartbreaking to hear the lead singer announce that, for the first time in their time together, they had to cut a performance short. The crowd was so supportive, and his emotions were on display as they played a final song.
After having announced that his vocal cords felt off, Gaskarth and the band huddled backstage. When they returned, he broke the news that they would be playing one final song. Grateful for the love the audience showed, he also said that they’d make it up to them when possible.
While I didn’t hear a single boo or unkind word, fans were clearly sad that the performance was over. Also clear was the love they have for the performers and genuine concern for their well-being. In a post on the band’s Instagram, made the day after the show, and titled ‘An update from Alex’, he thanked fans for their concern, and reported that he’d avoided long-term damage.
In that message, they also broke the news that the group’s Seattle show would need to be canceled. A second update informed fans that Gaskarth’s voice was improving. The post mentioned that a replacement Colorado date couldn’t be scheduled at this time; however, attendees could pursue a refund with ticket provider AXS. After seeing All Time Low’s performance last year at Red Rocks, I know I’m not alone when I say that I can’t wait for the band’s next concert.
Photos by Joe Pekara
